Aust shares close lower

The Australian share market closed lower amid profit taking on Friday and mixed messages about economic data out of Asia.

At the close on Friday, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 13.5 points, or 0.28 per cent lower at 4,709.5, while the broader All Ordinaries index was down 11.4 points, or 0.24 per cent, at 4,733.8.

On the ASX 24, the March share price index futures contract was 11 points lower at 4,681, with 25,099 contracts traded.

IG Markets market strategist Evan Lucas said sentiment had turned negative following Chinese data showing that inflation was at a relatively low 2.6 per cent for 2012, but had increased in December indicating no stimulation is likely soon.